Archbishop Gudziak’s Proposal for a Friday Meat Fast Sparks Debate Among Catholics

At the USCCB Fall Assembly, Archbishop Borys Gudziak proposed a revival of the year-round Friday abstinence from meat, coinciding with the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si’ in 2025.

He described the initiative as beneficial for the soul, planet, and devotion to God, saying, “A return to Friday abstinence would be good for the soul and for the planet, maybe for something else, uniting our devotion to the Lord and reverence for the Lord’s creation.”

Rooted in Tradition and Faith

Abstinence from meat on Fridays, a long-standing Catholic practice, was largely abandoned after Vatican II reforms.

However, Archbishop Gudziak emphasized that the practice is not merely a relic of the past but part of “two thousand years of practice.”

Advocates argue that fasting mirrors the self-denial championed by Christ. Quoting Jesus’ call to discipleship, the archbishop reminded attendees, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”

The proposed change also seeks to align with the Church’s tradition of penitential Fridays, marking the Lord’s Passion through self-denial.

By restoring the practice, the Church hopes to foster a shared identity among Catholics and reignite the spiritual discipline of fasting.

Addressing Environmental and Cultural Challenges

Archbishop Gudziak also linked the proposal to environmental benefits, referencing the teachings of Laudato Si’.

He argued that the practice could contribute to sustainable living, albeit some critics dismissed this as pandering to environmentalist agendas. Skeptics pointed out the challenge of enforcing such a change in a culturally diverse Church.

The proposal arrives at a critical juncture, with the Eucharistic Revival concluding in 2025 and the Church continuing to address its past failures, including the sexual abuse crisis.

Advocates see the move as a collective penance and a path toward unity in a politically divided world.

Whether this idea becomes a lasting change remains uncertain, but it has already sparked conversations about faith, tradition, and the Catholic Church’s future direction.

Explore the impact of faith-based meat-fasting traditions on cultural identity and sustainability—visit our homepage for deeper perspectives.